Obituary of Donald James Krupski

With all the uncertainty in the world today God granted Don one final wish, to die at home in his bed by his wife. A wish he was very vocal about.

With that wish granted Don left this world peacefully leaving behind his wife of 51 years Linda; his 3 children Jeff, Angela (Brad) and Danny (Dawn); as well as his 2 beloved grandchildren Dineke and Wyatt.

Now the rest of the story!

Dad was a farmer, a trucker and a cowboy at heart. He was always seen in cowboy boots, cowboy hat or a cap. Dad loved all things western and was far better suited in the wild west where he could ride a horse all day and carry a gun on his hip rather than the world he lived in. But he did not let that stop him. Farming was a way of life for him, early to rise because things needed to get done and working hard was the way to do it. He passed that on to us kids even when we didn't want to do it. Memories of suppers in the field, learning to drive the tractor, and not going to school because it was harvest were just to name a few.

Dad saw many things through the windshield of an 18 wheeler in his 45+ years of driving. He met many interesting people who I am sure thought he was just as interesting. The only other love in his life other than his wife Linda, was good ole cowboy hat and boot wearing, gun toting Texas. He made it well known that if he could not get back to Texas physically himself, that his ashes somehow make it back there.

For being a simple farm boy he was well spoken when he needed to be, had a mind full of knowledge on a lot of everything and had the ability to teach himself. He would tell us how he took a job operating a D8 Cat when he was a young man but had never driven one. He said he needed a job and that was all he could get so he had to do it. That was the start of a long career of operating heavy machinery along with farming and driving semi. Even in his 70’s he managed to master the Smartphone and Facebook, oh yes, SIRI was another one of his loves.

Dad had no problem striking up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. Politics, religion, currents events, history and whatever else he wanted talk about, he did. He was pretty steadfast on his ideals and he gave anyone who dared a chance to tell him differently. At anytime Gormley would be on the radio or some sort of documentary would be on the TV at home. He loved to learn new things and was always thinking of the next thing to build or a great idea that included mom, not by her choice.

Dad's love of horses deserves its own paragraph. Dad loved all horses. If you were to ever meet the goofy lil donkey with short ears, that showed him the donkey eyes at the Candiac auction sale last fall, and who now resides at the farm, you will most certainly understand. One of his favorite horses was the heavy horse breed, the Belgian-horsepower in horsehide. We have so many memories of working with them like horse pulling at small town fairs and at Agribition, The Belgians graced the streets of Regina pulling wagons and carriages for many years. Dad had special memories with every horse he ever worked with but there is always a couple who deserve a special mention like Sam and Herb! Dad was able to live long enough to see his last Belgian of approximately 30 years pass away last fall,

Dad's legacy will go on in the hearts and minds of his most beloved grandchildren, Dineke and Wyatt. If he was allowed extra time and was asked how he would use it he would most definitely say "spend time with his grandchildren". Weiner roasts will never be the same without him. There will always be 1 smokie too many on the plate. Dad took the time to talk to them, impart his wisdom of everything and spent time doing stuff with them. He would always plan a project for the summer when Wyatt came from Alberta. He would only allow the grandkids to argue him and win. They sought him out when they had questions. Grandpa was often called for answers instead of asking their mom and dad.

Dad was his own person. Had his own thoughts and opinions and just did things his way. He wasn't the easiest guy to grow up or live with but he was our dad, grandpa and husband. We learned so much from him, even when we didn't realize it. He was there to answer questions and he showed he cared by guiding us through life's ups and downs, he could be funny and loved to tell a good story or joke. He wasn't one to be emotional or say I love you, but you sure darn knew if you were in trouble. It wasn't until recently during a "tackroom talk" he opened up about his childhood. That's when the understanding of how he was with us kids was answered by the poor treatment he endured as a child on the farm.

Dad you are free. Free from physical and mental pain. Free from obstacles and limitations that comes with getting older because I know that bothered you.

Ride off into the sunset cowboy! Ride off!

As per dad's request there will be no funeral. A Celebration of Don’s Life will be planned for a later date at the farm for a wiener roast with his immediate family and closest friends because that was most important to him.